Crimean Tatars hold a banner that reads, “No War” during a pro-Ukraine rally in Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine on March 10. A Turkic ethnic group, Tatars make up 12 percent of Crimea’s population, the majority of which is ethnic Russian. [photo: Darko Vojinovic/copyright Associated Press]

Dispute over Crimea heightens tension in Eastern Europe

March 11, 2014
|
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
|
ANN staff

A statement released by top Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries invites church members and “all people of good will” to participate in the “ministry of reconciliation” as political turmoil in Ukraine deepens.

Following a shift in power in Kiev, the Crimean Parliament voted to hold a referendum in Crimea concerning the future of the peninsula and its possible annexation to Russia. That referendum will be held on March 16.

Unrest in Ukraine began in November when former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych froze the process of European integration. The decision spurred months of street protests in Kiev and violent clashes between demonstrators and police. The Ukrainian Parliament ousted president Yanukovich from power at the end of the last month.

In February, Viktor Alekseenko, president of the Adventist Church in Ukraine, asked Adventists to pray for their country and avoid provoking hostility—on the streets and on social media, where he urged church members not to leave inflammatory comments.

Alekseenko is among church leaders to sign this latest statement, calling on Adventists and community members to help “restore human dignity, equality and unity through the grace of God.”

We call on all members of the Seventh-day Church to refrain from participating in political statements and actions that could escalate tensions. We invite all people of good will to join us in peacekeeping, incessant prayer for peaceful resolution of all conflicts, as well as to create an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation, contributing to the understanding of different cultures and ideological systems to build good relations between people of all races, nationalities, religions and political beliefs.

This is the official position of the church. Any other statement you may encounter outside the official church media should be seen as the views of private individuals.

Meanwhile, the Adventist Church’s official television network in Ukraine is broadcasting a live daily prayer marathon. “God Save Ukraine” airs on Hope Channel Ukraine during prime time and highlights stories from across the country that demonstrate unity and forgiveness.

Hope Channel Ukraine is the only Christian television network in the country directly responding to the political crisis, Adventist media officials said.